Busaidi said these campaigns are also a tool to bust myths about donating blood while fasting. “Unfortunately, some people think that they can’t donate blood while fasting as it may be detrimental to their health. I urge members of the community to donate blood during the month of Ramadan and not to fear the impact of fasting. A medical team comprising doctors and nurses examine the donors before donating blood.”

Talking about mobile campaign timings, he said, “These mobile campaigns started from the first day of Ramadan. On May 7, mobile vans were stationed in Umm al Qura Mosque in Azaiba and Al Majaib Mosque in Amerat. On May 8 it was held in Sultan Said bin Taimur Mosque (Al Khuwayr). On May 12 at Al Gitali Mosque in North Ma’abela; May 13 at Abu Obaida al Jarah Mosque Azaiba and Sayyida Fatima bint Ali Mosque in North Al Hail; May 14 at Hay Al Iz Mosque in North Ma’abela and Al Wahab Mosque; May 15 at Hay Al Khawthar in Al Khoudh (sixth district), Sultan Said bin Taimur Mosque in Al Khuwayr and Al Khoudh Mosque in Al Khoudh market.”

Busaidi also added that there are drug awareness campaign vans that accompany blood donation drives. These campaigns are part of the Ramadan programme of Al Khuwair Health Center.

About the upcoming campaigns next week Busaidi said, “We will be organising campaigns next week from May 19. These will be conducted from 8pm to 11pm. The Central Blood Bank in Bausher will be conducting campaigns from 8am to 12.30pm and 7.30pm to 11.30pm on all weekdays except Fridays and Saturdays.”